Utilization of coconut meal waste as a filler in a starch-based bioplastic and its application

Abstract

This research focuses on the utilization of coconut meal waste (CM) as a filler for a bioplastic made from cassava starch. The study investigates the effects of different CM contents (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) on the properties of the bioplastic. The addition of 2 wt% CM provided the best performances in terms of tensile strength, and water and weathering resistance. Strong hydrogen bonding between starch and CM contributed to the performance of the biocomposite. The optimized composite was used to fabricate biodegradable seeding pots, which were coated with Bacillus thuringiensis strain SL56, known for its plant growth-promoting properties. Chinese cabbage grown in the fabricated pots showed significantly enhanced seedling height and leaf number. This study demonstrates the potential of seeding pots made from a starch/CM biocomposite coated with beneficial microbes as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional seeding pots. The proposed product provides a use for an agricultural waste and aligns with the principles of a circular economy and sustainable development. • Coconut meal waste contains a high usable content of lignocellulose. • Coconut meal waste is an efficient filler for starch-based biocomposites. • Biodegradable seeding pots were made from starch/coconut meal waste biocomposite. • The seeding pots were coated with B. thuringienesis strain SL56 as a growth promoter.